What Are You Building?

The basement area is an essential part of your home. It's vital to inspect it regularly for any underlying problems. Typically, a basement affects your home's structure and health in general. However, sometimes water can seep through and cause massive damage without warning. Below are four instances when you may need basement waterproofing services.

1. Water puddles in your basement

Water pools inside your basement are a clear sign you need to waterproof the place. In addition, if you notice a puddle outside your house, there could be water intrusion. Perhaps a leaking pipe has caused this problem. With time, water from your outdoors could find its way to your basement. Fortunately, you can hire an expert to fix this issue. Basement waterproofing specialists can identify the root cause of the puddles and check the condition of your drainage systems.

2. Strange smells

Although some basements don't receive sufficient air, they shouldn't have strange odors. For instance, a musty smell indicates mold's presence in the room. Therefore, if this area has a damp smell, then water is slowly seeping into it. At this point, you need basement waterproofing services to prevent further damage.

Usually, peculiar smells are accompanied by biological growth, which can be toxic to your health. Mold, for instance, can cause:

• A stuffy nose

• Wheezing

• Red and itchy eyes

• Headaches

• Nausea

After waterproofing your basement, the air quality in your indoor space can improve. Plus, spores won't spread to other parts of the house.

3. Presence of rust

High moisture levels aggravate rust in metallic materials. Thus, you can check for rust in metal fixtures or hinges to determine signs of water seepage in the basement. Typically, iron nails can rust over time due to humidity. Therefore, once you notice rust in some items, it's time to waterproof your basement. It's crucial to handle the problem before things worsen, especially if you store stuff in the basement.

4. Visible stains

Stains can manifest on walls, floors, and carpets in your basement if there's water seepage. You can touch stained areas to see if there's any dampness or softness. In addition, it's prudent to seek professional help immediately because water stains can lead to structural damage. Keep in mind that marks on the wall indicate that water is permeating the basement through cracks. The watermarks could be old or faint, depending on the extent of the intrusion.

If you observe any of the above warning signs, then you should seek basement waterproofing services as soon as possible. That way, you can save your home and other possessions in it. 

For more information on what basement waterproofing services provide, contact a contractor near you.